Processing Times
Processing an evaluation frequently requires approximately fifteen (15) business days from the date that Alianza Academic Evaluations (ALIANZA) receives all required information, including a completed application, all supporting documentation (diplomas, transcripts, etc.) related to the application, and payment in full for the evaluation and any additional requested services. Business days are Monday through Friday and exclude weekends and holidays.
Although ALIANZA strives to meet or exceed the standard processing timeframe, the time to completion of the evaluation may vary depending on multiple factors. ALIANZA does not guarantee that the evaluation will be completed within a specific timeframe.
Processing timelines depend on the timely receipt of required documentation from applicants and third parties, including educational institutions and credential verification services. ALIANZA is not responsible for delays caused by institutions, government agencies, postal services, or electronic transcript providers.
Required Documentation
IMPORTANT: Do not send or have sent any academic documents to Alianza Academic Evaluations (ALIANZA) until you receive documentation instructions from our staff.
After submitting an application, an evaluator will review the file and email the applicant with detailed instructions explaining which documents are required and how they must be submitted. Required documentation may vary by educational level, country of education, and the purpose of the evaluation.
It is the applicant’s responsibility to obtain the documentation required. Generally, applicants will need to request that the schools, colleges, or universities they attended provide official documents directly to ALIANZA through the institution’s official records process and/or via a reputable secure electronic document service such as Electronic Transcript Exchange (ETX), Digitary, TrueCopy, or similar services, as directed by ALIANZA.
We strongly encourage applicants to contact their institutions immediately after they receive the communication listing the required documentation in order to avoid delays in the evaluation process.
If official or verified documentation cannot be provided, ALIANZA cannot provide an Official Evaluation. In these instances, ALIANZA may provide a Provisional Evaluation. This will clearly state that scanned or unofficial documentation was used to conduct the evaluation.
Applicants are responsible for obtaining all documentation required to complete their evaluation. Required academic records must be issued in the original language by the institution and transmitted through acceptable official channels as instructed by ALIANZA.
Applicants are responsible for ensuring that all information provided in the application is complete and accurate. ALIANZA is not responsible for delays or revisions required due to incomplete, inaccurate, or omitted information submitted by the applicant.
Failure to provide the required documentation in a timely fashion will delay the completion of the evaluation. Applicants must provide the required documentation. Refunds will not be granted based on an applicant’s inability to obtain the required documentation.
ALIANZA reserves the right to determine the authenticity, sufficiency, and acceptability of all documents submitted.
Translation of Required Documents
ALIANZA requires all documents not issued in English to be translated into English. Any documents not submitted in English must be accompanied by an accurate, word-by-word translation.
Translations must be provided by one of the following:
- the institution which issued the diploma, degree, transcripts, or marksheets,
- a translator who is a member of the American Translators Association (ATA),
- a translation from another recognized non-US professional translator or translation agency, or
- provided by Alianza Academic Evaluations (ALIANZA).
ALIANZA will not accept translations conducted by the applicant, or a friend or family member of the applicant.
Availability of Rush Requests
Requests for “rush” services are subject to availability. If rush services are not available, applicants will be notified and may choose from the following options:
- Request that the evaluation be completed in the standard timeframe and receive a refund of the rush service fees, or
- Cancel the application.
Refunds of rush fees will be granted for late delivery on rush applications if ALIANZA is unable to meet the rush processing timeframe.
Records Review, Verification of Authenticity, and Disclosure of Fraud or Adverse Actions
By submitting the application, applicants authorize ALIANZA and any of its agents to:
- Review all records related to the individual’s academic study,
- Take all steps needed to verify the authenticity of all such records to conduct the evaluation, including but not limited to contacting any relevant institutions, government authorities or ministries, testing services, or examination authorities for verification purposes and/or requesting any additional information needed to complete the evaluation report, and
- Disclose information and documents related to any adverse action taken with respect to the applicant or application, the status of any evaluations, any other information obtained by ALIANZA, or the results and reasons for any adverse action to any person or organization designated by the applicant or to any other recipient which is determined to have a legitimate interest in receiving the same (ex. government agencies, potential employers).
ALIANZA reserves the right to verify all documents submitted for evaluation with the issuing authorities. In such cases, there may be a delay in the timely processing of an evaluation. ALIANZA will refund any rush fees if we elect to verify documents, but will not refund the evaluation fee. If ALIANZA verification determines that documents are altered, forged, or otherwise falsified, the application will be cancelled without refund and any intended recipients of the evaluation may be advised.
Applicants certify that all documents and information submitted to ALIANZA are authentic, complete, and unaltered. Submission of forged, altered, or misleading documents may result in immediate cancellation of the application without refund and may be reported to relevant institutions, licensing boards, employers, or government authorities.
Cancellations and Refunds
Incomplete applications will be held active for up to one year following the application. Evaluation fees are non-refundable once an application has been submitted, as administrative processing begins immediately. Failure to provide adequate or required documentation, including official records requested from educational institutions, is not sufficient cause for a refund.
If an applicant is unable to supply the necessary documents at the time of application, ALIANZA will keep the application active for up to twelve (12) months. During this period, applicants may submit additional documents for review without incurring a new application fee. After twelve (12) months, if the required documents have not been received, the application may be closed.
Payment Disputes and Chargebacks
By submitting an application, applicants agree to first contact Alianza Academic Evaluations (ALIANZA) directly via email or regular mail to attempt to resolve any questions or concerns regarding services or charges before initiating a payment dispute or chargeback with their credit card provider or financial institution.
Applicants acknowledge that evaluation services involve administrative review, document analysis, and research that begin immediately after submission of an application. Initiating a chargeback for services already rendered may result in cancellation of the application and suspension of any ongoing services.
If a payment dispute or chargeback is initiated after services have begun, ALIANZA reserves the right to provide documentation to the payment processor demonstrating that the applicant agreed to these Terms and Conditions at the time of application.
Lifespan of an Evaluation (5 Years)
All finalized evaluations are valid for five years. Applicants may request additional emailed copies of completed evaluations during that time at no charge. Additionally, during that time, mailed copies may be requested for an additional fee. The evaluation expires five years after the date of issue. Any requests for additional copies following the expiration date will require a new application and evaluation.
Evaluations are Advisory Opinions
ALIANZA employs seasoned evaluators who use the latest available international education research in making our recommendations for educational equivalency. All final evaluations are ADVISORY and NOT binding on any external agency or institution.
Because evaluation conclusions depend on the structure, recognition, and academic content of the applicant’s educational program, ALIANZA cannot predict or guarantee the outcome of an evaluation prior to completion of the review process.
The final decision regarding admission, employment, licensure, certification, or recognition of academic credentials is made solely by the receiving institution or organization.
ALIANZA cannot provide preliminary evaluations, unofficial opinions, or advance determinations of equivalency prior to the completion of a full evaluation review.
ALIANZA does not guarantee that applicants will receive an evaluation that assures the applicant of a specific degree equivalency, certification, or recognition. As a result, no refunds will be made due to applicants disagreeing with the outcome of the evaluation.
Applicants are responsible for confirming the type of evaluation required by the institution, licensing board, employer, or agency receiving the evaluation.
Interpretation of Academic Records
Credential evaluation involves professional judgment based on available documentation, recognized educational resources, and established comparative education practices.
Different evaluation agencies or institutions may reach different conclusions regarding academic equivalencies. The conclusions presented in an evaluation report issued by ALIANZA reflect the professional judgment of ALIANZA evaluators based on the information available at the time the evaluation is completed.
Scope of Evaluation Services
ALIANZA provides independent academic credential evaluation services based on the documents and information provided by the applicant and issuing institutions.
ALIANZA is not responsible for locating academic records, contacting institutions on behalf of applicants to obtain documents, reconstructing incomplete academic histories, or providing services beyond the preparation of an evaluation report based on the documentation received.
Applicants are responsible for obtaining and providing all required documentation needed for the evaluation process.
Limitation of Liability
ALIANZA provides advisory opinions regarding academic equivalency based on the documentation available at the time of evaluation.
ALIANZA shall not be liable for any decisions made by institutions, licensing boards, employers, government agencies, or other organizations based on the evaluation report.
In no event shall ALIANZA’s liability exceed the amount paid by the applicant for the evaluation service.
Document Retention
Following the completion of the evaluation, any documents provided by an institution, agency, or other third party will be retained by ALIANZA, which will retain copies of all documents related to the evaluation for up to five years.
Liability for Mailed Documents
Applicants choosing to send documents to ALIANZA via mail are responsible for any documents lost in the mail or damaged in the shipping process. Applicants agree to release ALIANZA from any liability for damages that result from shipping any official, original, or academic documents.
Requesting Destruction of Documents
Applicants may request that their files and related evaluations be destroyed. Such requests must be made in writing by the applicant. Upon review of such notification, ALIANZA will destroy all of the applicant’s documents and records (including any evaluation reports.)
Revision Requests
Asking for additional materials to be evaluated following the issuance of an evaluation constitutes a revision request and requires payment of a revision fee.
Right to Cancel Service
ALIANZA strives to satisfy each client. However, ALIANZA reserves the right to cancel an evaluation in the event that:
- An applicant exhibits unprofessional behavior (as determined by ALIANZA), or
- After multiple attempts by the applicant or the evaluator to gather the needed information, sufficient documentation has not been provided to complete the evaluation.
In such instances, no refund will be provided to the customer.
Modification of Policies
ALIANZA reserves the right to update or modify these Terms and Conditions at any time. The terms in effect at the time an application is submitted will apply to that application.
